One of the smallest wineries in Rioja and at the same time one of the more outstanding ones, not only for the great wine they make but also for Miguel’s enthusiasm and dedication for its wine, which we think it is one of the main secrets in the making. He makes classical Reservas of Rioja with a modern touch.

Using the words of Miguel Merino: "I have long dreamt of having my own small bodega, where I could make a few bottles of wine of the best quality possible. Twenty years later, we restored an old 19th Century house on the outskirts of Briones, in Rioja Alta. On the adjoining land we built facilities for vinification and barrel and bottle ageing and planted a small experimental vineyard. In the year 2000, our first Miguel Merino Reserva "1994" went into the market, raising the interest and enthusiasm that encourage us to keep our joy for wine making".

His target is to make small volumes of the best quality wine possible. Selecting among the best grapes from the oldest vines, they only make Reserva wines, and in exceptional years, a small amount is chosen to be aged for a longer time to become Gran Reservas.

They collect between twenty and thirty thousand kilograms of Tempranillo grapes and a small amount of Graciano. The vines average over forty years old, and all come from our town, Briones. The picking is made by hand, using small boxes. Every single bunch of grapes is placed on the selection table where we inspect them all for quality. The wine is aged in American or French new oak barrels, made by Murúa, probably the best cooper in Spain. The maturation in oak will last as long as each vintage needs, usually between eighteen and twenty-five months. The wine will then be bottled and left to rest and develop for at least two years in the 20,000 to 30,000 bottles that they fill every harvest.

His excellent wines have received the best critics at all levels, national, international, specialized critic and aficionado wine tasting. They have been selected to be served to His Majesty, the king of Spain during a couple of his visits to Rioja.

Serving suggestions. A strong development of the aromas and flavours of the wine when opening the bottle over one hour in advance, and even a stronger development when decanting it have been observed.

The winery can be visited from Monday to Saturday, from 9.00 to 13.00 hours. It is absolutely essential to make an appointment. We can also arrange VIP visits to this winery.

WINES FROM THE WINERY